Back / lumbar spine decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for lumbar spine DJD, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee instability, and left knee instability have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and lower back disability. The claims were reopened due to new evidence received since the January 2008 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and respiratory disability (COPD) based on the Veteran's credible reports of in-service injuries and subsequent symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and a lumbar condition have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence of these conditions during or due to active service, and they are not related to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional records, including from service in locations exposed to herbicides. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, low back disability, left knee disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or are otherwise related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that any current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to deficiencies in the examination reports, particularly regarding the severity of his lumbar spine disability and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues have also been expanded to include evaluations for any related cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder and low back disorder due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on in-service exposure to chemicals, fumes, and solvents used in aircraft as well as cramped conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing/special home adaptation grant or automobile/adaptive equipment eligibility due to lack of permanent and total disability affecting both lower extremities, loss of use of hands, or vision impairment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for left hip disability. Service connection for lower back disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back and neck disabilities, which are aggravated by her service-connected PTSD due to MST.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability and TDIU benefits were denied due to his failure to appear at the scheduled VA examination without showing good cause.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, low back disability, left lower extremity sciatica, and right lower extremity sciatica are all found to be service-connected. The traumatic brain injury residuals claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, bowel incontinence, and urinary incontinence due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, neck, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are service-connected. However, due to a lack of an examination for his right shoulder disability, this issue is remanded.

The claims to reopen the previously denied claims of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine disorder, LLE neuropathy, and RLE neuropathy are granted. The claim to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbar spine disorder, LLE neuropathy, and RLE neuropathy for accrued benefits purposes is remanded.